Written by George Scott
An epic celebration filled with love resulted in the FireHouse being packed to full capacity Wednesday, June 10. “Drag Night for Linda” was a huge success, surpassing all expectations. The event was set up both to raise funds for Linda Stay, a local advocate for the LGBT community fighting breast cancer, and to kick off the desire for FireHouse to provide ongoing events for members of the LGBT community to have a local place to socialize. With a hopeful goal of raising $3,000 towards medical treatments for Stay, everyone was pleasantly surprised with the $6,100 figure at the end of the night.
Teresa Skeri, manager of FireHouse, and DJ Ballin transformed the FireHouse to present a sensational show with decorations, VIP tables, and a catwalk. Yes, a catwalk! Throughout the night, the catwalk was filled with nothing short of sensationalism. From the music performances by the area’s best music artists to the swagger of drag performers strutting their “assets,” it was a top-notch show executed professionally.
The night was kicked off by local recording artist Raven Cain. Cain introduced the evening with energy and excitement as he got the crowd to forget the day and start embracing the night. Cain was in the mood to kick cancer’s ass as he got everyone shouting in unison, “Cancer sucks!” Performing songs off his newly released album, he had people dancing, jumping on stage to join him, and in the party mood. Nobody brings the “it’s time to party” feeling like Cain. Party time was in full swing within moments of Raven taking the stage, and it didn’t stop there.
Tom Bennett, the 2015 Country Showdown winner, was up next. Bennett brought his high-energy music, infused with authentic folk, blues, and original lyrics, to the stage and kept the celebration going full-throttle. The “One Man Band,” as Bennett refers to his act, is entertaining and engaging and reaches to the roots of the soul. Recently off tour and preparing to leave for another next week, Bennett is playing tight and keeps the attention of the audience.
Special guest Amanda Barrick (Stay’s daughter) played next. In town for the event and to support her mother, she brought emotion to the stage. It was all positive emotion and had everyone enthralled with her talent both in voice and guitar ability. She certainly would be a wonderful addition to the local music scene.
Up next was nothing short of an amazing performance by Dick Earl. He played it loud and proud as he put serious soul into the celebration with a variety of rockin’ blues songs and unparalleled ability on the harmonica, combined with the funky sounds he is able to make jump out of his guitar, which left several in attendance wondering how he pulls off his particular brand of musical magic. His talent is impressive, and it’s understandable why he is heavily demanded on tours across the nation.
Following more than two hours of electric music, the party was primed to get “sensational” with a full-blown drag show, starting with belly dancers moving in ways that defy the human body. The transition opened up the door for drag queens and kings to sashay their way down the catwalk. As the music played, contestants paraded and danced up and down the catwalk with a swagger not generally seen on the streets of southern Utah. These drag stars were here, out, and ready to show it off.
The entertaining performances had attendees handing, throwing, and stuffing tips of every denomination in appreciation, all of which were combined and included in the donations to assist Stay.
The overwhelming success of the event surpassed all expectations. DJ Ballin had offered to have his head shaved on stage should the event raise $5,000 or more. Although it seemed like a safe offer that would allow him to keep his hair, he was more than happy to make good on his promise when the funds more than doubled expectations. DJ Ballin was all smiles as FireHouse manager Teresa Skeri brought out the clippers and proceeded to shave away.
Participants and attendees alike opened up their purses, wallets, and depths of their bras to offer financial support. Many sported pink breast cancer awareness bracelets. The event was a success in every way as people from all walks of life joined in to support the community treasure shared in Linda Stay. She has been an integral influence in many areas of the lives of more people than possible to count. Demonstrating unconditional love, showing support, and helping others is what Stay’s life has been all about, and at this event, the roles were reversed as she was showered with these same things from others.
Though the funds were for Stay and her treatment, there is no doubt the event itself was also for the community. It was about having fun. It was about being comfortable in your own skin. It was about acceptance. It was about diversity. It was about people from all walks of life living in harmony and celebrating not just the differences we have but the things we have in common. It was about humanity.
For those unable to attend Drag Night for Linda but who still would like to contribute to the cause, please visit www.YouCaring.com/Linda.
Photo gallery images by George Scott and Christina Gregg.
